Resembling a festive twig more than a sparkling Christmas tree, people in a valleys town thought THIS was going to be the centrepiece of their festive decorations for 2016.

But don't worry - it's not!

The tree in Mountain Ash town centre is usually decorated for Christmas, as Rhos Square boasting its statue of legendary runner Guto Nyth Bran becomes a focal point of the town's celebrations.

So when it was drastically cut back this year and lights were draped over the remaining stump, people thought the forlorn tree was all they were getting for Christmas this year.

People took to social media to voice their concerns.

The main tree is being put up this week

However, Rhondda Cynon Taf council has now cleared up the issue - saying the tree had to be cut back this year, and that Mountain Ash will be getting a real, all-singing all-dancing tree a few yards away.

A council statement said: "In response to the recent comments about the Christmas lights in Mountain Ash, the council would like to confirm that Christmas lights were erected throughout the town on Monday and Tuesday (November 21-22), which included new lamppost figurines through the main street - including around Rhos Square - near the statue of Guto Nythbran.

The tree in Mountain Ash before it was pruned back - it usually makes a lovely display for Christmas (Photo: GOOGLE STREET VIEW)

"Every year the tree near Guto’s statue traditionally has lights added, however as the tree needed to be cut back substantially this year, a decision was made to seek options for a Christmas tree to be erected from funding allocated to the town through market income.

"A Christmas tree is therefore being erected this week once the power supply and ground sleeve has been installed and in time for the council-organised Christmas event in the town which is taking place on Saturday, December 10.

"However, it has been agreed that until the Christmas tree was installed the existing tree, albeit cut back, would have lights attached and this is what residents have been commenting on."

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And, following controversy surrounding Cardiff council's artificial Christmas tree by Cardiff Castle - which was promised to be 40m and turned out to be 40ft when it arrived from China - the council has assured there will be no such confusion over its tree for Mountain Ash.

The statement added: "In light of other recent Christmas tree-related events, the council would like to make clear that the tree, which was sourced locally, is 20ft and not 20m tall."